My Inside Voice

I'm a Film Commissioner, Long Island International Film Expo Director, novelist, freelancer, ghost writer, casting director and producer. I don't know what lies ahead, but I'm sure it will be fun! Take my hand; join me on my journey.
"With regard to jobs and locations postings; Although I've worked with many of these people/companies before - please be advised that you contact them at your own risk and need to vet them for yourself. Caveat Emptor."

A 30 – 50 year old Caucasian man. He is a dreamboat, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, our
smug spokesperson is charismatic and engaging and importantly, believable. Our ‘facts’
should be delivered in a forthright tone with conviction. It never occurs to
him that he might be wrong. With a machine gun delivery at times, he’ll
bamboozle the audience clearly lacking self-awareness.

The ability to state the absurd with a straight face and
a good sense of comic timing is vital.

Jose – Pay $400 per day

A nice looking, bright, inquisitive 18 year old Latino.
Clean cut and bright looking, Jose is sometimes a bit naïve, he’s learning to
think for himself. Jose is caught off guard by the quick talking spokesperson
and is swept along with the excitement, but throughout the film, Jose learns
and realizes he must stand up to the spokesperson. A good sense of comic
ability is important.

One liners – $350
per day flat

Will be asked to self-submit tape ASAP. Possible audition
in NYC Tues and Weds.

Smart looking Hispanic girl. Nothing too over the top or
pretty, again, this has to be relatable.

Poll Worker –

Mr. Average Guy. Very straight looking, a stickler for
the rules.

Asian Guy

Again, a relatable 18 year old.

Old Guy

Grumpy looking, old white guy who represents
authoritative figure, the old guard of politics, white, wealthy and out of
touch with our viewers. Hasn’t a clue
what a tweet is, and thinks snapchat is a card game. This would make a great
cameo for someone if we could get a name.

Friday, April 15, 2016

I need, for a SAG/NonSAG commercial:1) An 18 year old Hispanic actor to play a first time voter2) A smarmy, middle spokesman who must be able to deliver absurd lines in a straight manner. He's a guy we don't like.For a two day shoot in April. Shoots in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, right off the L.Casting will be this Tuesday and Wednesday in NYC.Please send resume, headshot and reel to debra.markowitz@gmail.com.

AND, we have a Filmmakers Connection Meeting - On Wednesday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m., the Long Island Film/TV Foundation, Long Island's oldest not-for-profit group serving the independent film community on Long Island, will be holding a Filmmakers Connection Meeting for those in the industry and those who would like to be, at the East Meadow Library -http://www.eastmeadow.info/ ;

This meeting will feature filmmakers Summer Crockett Moore and Tony Glazer whose independent hit, Junction, won awards nationwide in 2012 and 2013, and since has been distributed worldwide.

Summer and Tony have since filmed and produced a number of short films and web series and expanded their own production company, Choice Films.

Choice Films Inc. is a multi-award-winning independent production company that produces films, television programming and web content for worldwide distribution. Choice Theatricals is the theater production arm of the company and is committed to bringing new plays to the stage and giving emerging and established playwrights the opportunity to realize their work with full productions that will continue to foster their artistic development. www.choicefilms.com

These meetings are free and provide an educational and networking element to filmmakers across Long Island and the city. For more information, please email nassaufilmoffice@nassaucountyny.gov

And a cool site, and one of our LIIFE sponsors, for all things Long Island –

Since 1996, LongIsland.com has been the go-to resource for locals looking for the scoop on what's happening here on Long Island. From breaking local news coverage, to the scoop on the hottest upcoming events & entertainment, to LI's best dining options, an inside look at local businesses, and everything in between, LongIsland.com has it all, which is why the site has been Long Island's Most Popular Website for the past two decades. Whether you're a native Long Islander looking to stay in the know, or a tourist looking to make the most out of your stay, LongIsland.com has everything you're looking for right here on Long Island.

If you’re interested in finding out up-to-the-minute information on film jobs that I hear about (both cast and crew) or locations needed for film/tv/commercials, plus other film related information (or my own personal musings), check www.debramarkowitz.blogspot.comYou can also sign up for our twitter account below, and I will tweet whenever I have anything film-related of interest. Let’s keep the work here!! If you are a filmmaker/casting person who knows of any positions, I can post those for you as well. Please e-mail me details: Union or nonUnion, personnel needed, whether it’s a paid position, when, where and what. Thank you.

If you had a film in the Long Island International Film Expo and have received a distribution deal (DVD, theatrical, and/or television), please send us a blurb and a link, and we’ll promote it for you on the Long Island International Film Expo facebook site. And if you’d like to be added to our LIIFE Alumni page on FB, please send me a PM, and I will add you.

If you have a home in Nassau County and would like to list it as a possible location for film/tv/commercial production, please contactdebfilm@aol.comor call 516 571-3168.

*Judging – Many people know that I am also a filmmaker. For this reason, I am no longer a judge at LIIFE. I have also made the commitment that if the festival would like to screen one of my films, they may, but if I’ve directed or written it, IT CANNOT WIN. We have approximately 15 judges, many of whom I do not know. Hence, it is not my decision who will be accepted or who will win.

If you have a business, service, or headshot you would like to bring to the attention of the dedicated audience that visits LongIslandFilm.com – consider placing a banner ad. They are quite reasonable. You will have your ad shown in random rotation for an entire year. Small banner ads are $200 – (120 x 60 pixels). Large banner ads are $350 (468 x 60 pixels). If interested, please e-mail your banner ad in the appropriate amount of pixels to debfilm@aol.com. Please include the URL you would like your ad to be connected to. You can pay by check to LIFTF, or by PalPay under “The Foundation” and then “Donations.” Just let us know when you send in your banner ad.

Please be advised that the Foundation/Film Commissions/Film Offices are not responsible for speaker cancellations. Every effort will be taken to insure a speaker’s availability on the date mentioned. In case of a cancellation, every effort will be made to book an alternate speaker.

For information about the Long Island International Film Expo or the Filmmakers Connection, please contact Debra Markowitz at 516 571-3168.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Hello everyone!I know it's been so long since I posted. Life has been crazy busy, but all good. I've spent the last six months developing my web serious - Couple of Guys, and I'm very excited to have started taking meetings to discuss financing, pitching etc. I love the story, I love the actors, and I cannot wait to begin filming!! If you want to find out more about it, you can can check out our web page athttp://www.intentionfilmsandmedia.com/couple-of-guys.html and please like our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Couple-of-Guys-705411239557615/?fref=ts -of-guys.htmlBesides that, a film that I produced and cast is close to being completed called BIRR - great director, Joey MHz. He was great work with, and we're planning future projects together.My films, The Last Taxi Driver and Leaving are on the festival circuit and doing well, and By Blood is now being submitted to festivals - please check my website for info on those films - www.IntentionFilmsandMedia.com BUT the coolest thing that I wanted to bring to your attention is an offer from my friend, Hughie Daly, of JHD Productions that he's extending to low-budget filmmakers to get their projects done!! I'm very excited about this - and you should be too!!From Hugh Daly:Subject: Time to make that movie you have been itching to make...

With 33 years of Film and video production behind me, I am announcing a new program of working with young and determined filmmakers to actually turn that awesome screenplay of yours into an actual movie.

I am the owner of JHD Productions and I've decided to get my company back to it's roots and back to my first love...Independent Filmmaking !

I am throwing open my 2100sq.ft. studio doors and am willing to work with small and tiny budgets to get your film made. Time to put that videophone aside and get serious about your project.

I have a fully equipped studio facility which includes green screen staging, Four(4) High Def. full feature cameras that use the P2 card technology. Full Audio. Full studio lighting on 2 massive dimmer packs with ceiling grids. Also over one dozen LED & Fluro low power/high output lighting rigs for studio and location shooting. JHD can shoot from ANY location plus we carry full insurance for remote filming in commercial and private location areas.

Time to stop dreaming and get on the phone and talk to me about how I can become as excited as you about your screenplay. Please check out my website www.jhdproductionsltd.net

and get back to me. I have ALL the bells & whistles just sitting in my studio waiting to work with you to make your future award winning film.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Casting for SAG/NonSAG short film, By Blood. Children needed.
Must look like adult versions of their characters. Boys, dark hair - about 4 foot. 7 - 9 years old. One day, a
couple of hours. Shoots North Merrick on July 2. Also, back-ups for my other
children - girl, light hair, pretty, trim, about 4'0", 4'1", and boy,
dark hair about 4'2" - all 7 - 9 years old. Please submit photo/headshot
and bio/resume to debra.markowitz@gmail.com.

Extras needed for
Tuesday, May 26, 2015 in Queens - Shooting
a big‪#‎funeralscene
tomorrow in‪#‎Queenswith lots of‪#‎startalent
on‪#‎LostCatCorona. We need some
featured extras for this with diversity in casting. If you are interested,
please email: lostcattalent@gmail.com for information. All types and ages
please.

Calling all Fanboys & Fangirls! ® is looking for people
to appear on Season 5 of the hit TV series on AMC! Are you a quirky comic geek
with a supersized personality? Is there a comic related item or retro popculture
collectible you’ve been longing to buy or sell? Then all your four-color dreams
can come true at Executive Producer Kevin Smith’s comic shop Jay and Silent
Bob’s Secret Stash!!! Here’s how you get started… Go to
http://comicbookmencasting.com/ and apply ASAP! **Must be 18 years or older to
apply** **Travel to Red Bank, NJ and batteries not included**

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

1) For an untitled feature film, they are looking for a Tudor style high school to film at for two weeks. They like Stewart School in Garden City, but want other options. They also need an upscale, two story home nearby. If you have any suggestions or referrals, please email nassaufilmoffice@nassaucountyny.gov and dmarkowitz@nassaucountyny.govand reference Untitled Jacobson.

2) For untitled feature film, they looking for a publishing house; a tall old bldg with a red carpet. Multimillion dollar homes. Opera house that looks like the New York City Library. Two weeks filming, two weeks pre-filming.

Naked in the Rain

About Me

Debra Markowitz is the Director of the Nassau County Film Office. In this capacity, Ms. Markowitz presides over the Nassau County Film Commission, now known as the Nassau County Film Advisory Board, and chairs as its Executive Director.
Ms. Markowitz also serves as Vice President of the Long Island Film/TV Foundation, Long Island’s most established and largest not-for-profit agency dedicated to the support and promotion of independent filmmaking. She also helped found the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE).
Debra Markowitz is also a freelance writer and novelist. The third book in her trilogy (following Naked in the Rain and Sarah and Caleb), Karmic Wind is set for release in 2013. For a complete list of her work, please visit her site, www.debramarkowitz.com.
An enthusiastic fellow filmmaker, Ms. Markowitz has acted as Casting Director, consultant, writer and producer on movie, television and commercial projects individually and with CastingKarma.
Debra Markowitz is also an avid yoga practitioner.